Message from the Mountain

I look forward to experiencing October from the bench at the top edge of the Lupine Field. People have told us for years it is one of the most special places they have ever visited. I believe each of us has a special place to visit in person or in our minds all year long. Support the show

While most of the flowering plants are beginning to peter out from a productive summer, there are asters in the Lupine Field in full bloom. Our minds are now brimming with the flowering of new ideas and goals for the winter and the spring beyond. Support the show

We are approaching fall foliage season. It has been slowly developing over the past month, but in some places the landscape is still mostly green. Nature has its own time schedule as is true many times in life where changes may be rapid or seem like they take forever. Support the show

We recently had some more flowers added to the Ormond Gardens. We knew they were coming and had planned a place for them. I am inspired by people who always have room on their busy plates to help others. They touch many lives with their unselfish acts of kindness. Support the show

I recently spotted a good-sized hole in a bank of dirt. I am not sure what animal made it or its purpose. Perhaps it was an escape tunnel or a den. I think of people and healthy places to escape for a few moments as I have on the Mountain. It could be a book, music or a visit to Nature. Support the show

With everything that is currently taking place in the world these days it seems as if everyone is sitting on pins and needles. It comes down to trusting in one’s Source to guide them for the best positive results as they take the next step down their soul’s path. Support the show

The old wagon rests in the Orchard, hunkered down in just about the same place as we found it when we bought the land. The goal is to someday restore it. That may or may not happen. We all have projects that are hunkered down in our minds. They may or may not happen. Support the show

I find the milkweeds a fascinating plant that helps sustain the life of butterflies in the fields on the mountainside. I think of people that help sustain acts of kindness from planting the seeds and watching others spread them as they help promote positivity. Support the show

Before the trees release most of their leaves, there is an opportunity to appreciate the artistic work of Nature in those that have found their way to earth. It is easy to miss individuals when they are in large groups unless we choose a single person to focus on. Support the show

I recently discovered a small eggshell on the trail. I was surprised to find it in September, rather than in the summer. It reminded me of people who look as if they had lost their inner spirit. A simple greeting or positive word to them may help them recapture what they have lost. Support the show

I sat in the unfinished cabin, looking out through the open door, at the fall foliage. I was reminded of people that spend most of their lives inside of themselves observing the world. I smiled and went outside through the open door to experience the beautiful weather.   Support the show

The bright red miniature fruit on our crab apple tree is too small for humans, but the birds will feast on them even after they have begun to ferment. The result is tipsy birds. There is so much in nature that is a feast for our souls. All we need to do is take the time to digest them in our hearts. Support the show

The night was warm and clear as a small group of us gathered in the orchard for a full moon meditation and to witness an eclipse taking place at the same time. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Actually, when we are aware, we can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience every day. Support the show

We have had very little rain here in the mountains so far for the month. The little brook that has run all summer is now bone dry. People can find themselves in droughts where it seems as though they can’t make any progress in life. Setting positive intentions each day for the next opportunity can help the flow begin again. Support the show

I believe that everyone has a magic world, either a specific location or an image in their mind where they can visit and communicate with their Source, feel love and gratitude in their hearts, and set positive intentions that will manifest in time. Support the show

The Center recently had a flowering crab apple tree donated to the Ormond Gardens. Its location has changed the garden landscape, expanding its beauty to another level. An act of kindness can literally change the landscape of peoples’ lives. Support the show

I do not usually think of lilies-of-the-valley having color other than green leaves this time of year, but they actually produce bright red seed pods. One of my great joys is discovering the unexpected in all aspects of life. Today I celebrate the beauty of these seeds. Support the show

I recently walked from the Orchard over to the Lupine Field and spent a few moments sitting on a bench taking in the surrounding beauty. I returned to my life in the valley grateful and knowing I had just experienced something special. A few positive moments a day can change us. Support the show

I love to snack, but I have learned that there are snacks that are perfect for me and those that are not. The deer have found the perfect snack in Hosta plants at the Center. We share with them. Our minds also like to snack on thoughts. Some are healthy and some are not.   To hear this podcast recording, go to: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2037649 or http://www.michaelhathaway.com/message-from-the-m...

As the summer flowers begin to fade, a collection of plants, such as stonecrop, are making their presence known. I so enjoy watching the changes taking place. Unfortunately, there are people that do not take the time to appreciate the beauty they are surrounded with. Joy is good. Support the show

Recently, my wife scattered a pound of lupine seeds throughout the Orchard with the goal of enhancing what Nature is already doing. The future flowers will be good for the wildlife as well as bringing joy to human visitors. We go forward hand in hand with Nature. Support the show

There are still more flowers being transplanted into the Ormond Gardens as we enter the second week of September. We have some more Brown Eyed Susans adding color, but the real investment is in next year. Kind acts are investments in the future. Support the show

We recently bought a covered bridge to span an old stump so the fairies would have a safe way across. I think of streams in the mountains that do not have bridges that require some creative thinking to cross. Sometimes in life we are meant to be on the side we are on. Support the show

Recently I visited the Mountain on a perfect fall day. I enjoyed my time there and thought about perfect days. Just because it was perfect to me, it might not be perfect to others. Every day has moments of perfection if we choose to experience them with heartfelt gratitude. Support the show

Nature has gotten out its fall paint brushes and is busy decorating the landscape. People are also decorating with fall motifs inside and outside their homes. It is okay to bring positive pleasure into your life that is based on heart love. Others also get a benefit from this. Support the show